Legal framework in United States
The federal ESIGN Act (2000) and the model UETA law, adopted by nearly every state, give electronic signatures the same legal effect as handwritten ones, as long as the parties consent to sign electronically.
Legal framework
ESIGN Act + UETA
How the legal framework evolved in United States
1999
The Uniform Law Commission publishes UETA, the model state law for electronic transactions.
2000
ESIGN Act: the federal law validates electronic signatures nationwide.
2010s
UETA is adopted in 49 states and D.C.; New York regulates the same through its ESRA statute.
2020s
Remote online notarization (RON) becomes legal in most states.
Types of electronic signature in United States
Electronic signature
The ESIGN Act defines it broadly: any sound, symbol or process attached to a record with intent to sign. There are no tiers as in Europe — what matters is proving intent, consent and process, which is what Firmiu's audit trail documents.
Cryptographic digital signature
Certificate-based signing. The law doesn't require it for private contracts; some regulated industries use it as internal policy.
Remote online notarization (RON)
Most states allow notarizing documents over video with an authorized notary. It only applies to documents that require a notary; ordinary contracts don't.
What makes a signature valid in United States?
A valid signature requires intent to sign, consent and an associated record of the process. Firmiu's audit trail — IP, device, location, timestamp and verification — meets those requirements.
Which documents can you sign in United States?
Can be signed electronically
- Commercial and service contracts
- Residential leases
- Offer letters and employment agreements
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Quotes, purchase orders and sales agreements
- Many tax forms (the IRS accepts e-signatures on several of them)
Usually require a notary or handwritten signature
- Wills, codicils and testamentary trusts
- Family-law documents (adoption, divorce)
- Court orders and filings
- Eviction, foreclosure or health/life-insurance cancellation notices
These lists are indicative: the document type and applicable law determine each case.
How to sign documents in United States
Upload your PDF
Upload the document and enter the name and email of the person who must sign.
The signer receives a link
They get an email with a unique link and a verification code.
Signed document
The PDF is signed with its audit trail, ready to download.
Frequently asked questions
- Are electronic signatures legal in the United States?
- Yes. The ESIGN Act and UETA have recognized them nationwide since 2000.
- Do they work for agreements with U.S. clients?
- Yes, for the vast majority of commercial and consumer contracts.
- What's required for them to be valid?
- Intent to sign, consent of the parties and a record of the process, such as the audit trail Firmiu generates.
- Are electronic signatures valid in every state?
- Yes. The ESIGN Act is federal and UETA governs in 49 states and D.C.; New York substitutes its own statute (ESRA) with equivalent effect.
- What does the law require for consumers?
- To deliver legal notices to consumers electronically, the ESIGN Act requires their prior informed consent. For business-to-business contracts, intent to sign and a record of the process are enough.
- Does the IRS accept electronically signed documents?
- The IRS accepts e-signatures on a growing list of forms. For private contracts — Firmiu's role — validity doesn't depend on the IRS.
- Can I sign with U.S. clients from Latin America?
- Yes. Validity is governed by the law of the contract; the ESIGN/UETA combination recognizes cross-border electronic signatures backed by audit evidence.
Official sources
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. The validity of an electronic signature depends on the applicable legislation and the document type; for specific cases, consult a legal professional.
Guide reviewed and updated: July 2026.
Electronic signatures by profession
Guides for the industries that sign the most documents in United States.
Related guides
Are electronic signatures legal? What you need to know
Electronic signatures are legal across Latin America, Spain and the United States. Here's what makes them valid and where they're recognized.
Types of electronic signature: simple, advanced and qualified
Not all electronic signatures are the same. Here are the three levels and which one you need for each document.
What documents can you sign electronically
Electronic signatures work for far more documents than you'd think. Here are the most common ones and the exceptions.
Electronic signature in other countries
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